Lagos, Nigeria — At the virtual 4th Annual General Meeting of the Sculptors Association of Nigeria (ScAN) held on December 17, 2025, the Board of Trustees (BoT) officially confirmed Sculptor Ato Arinze as the 4th substantive President of the association.

Arinze had previously served in an acting capacity following his appointment as interim President by the BoT in March 2025. This new appointment, unanimously ratified by the ScAN Board of Trustees, recognizes his exceptional leadership and significant contributions during his interim tenure. He will now serve an additional two-year full substantive term to complete his mandate.

About Ato Arinze

Sculptor Ato Arinze is a celebrated Nigerian sculptor, potter, and arts leader with a career spanning over three decades. Born in Mushin, Lagos in the mid-1960s, and a native of Onitsha, Anambra State, Arinze has established himself as a master of both realistic and abstract forms in sculpture and ceramics. His practice is deeply informed by his environment and social realities, reflecting a commitment to documenting the human experience through artistic expression.

Arinze’s artistic journey began in primary school and continued through Zixton Secondary School and Federal Polytechnic Oko, before culminating in advanced studies at Yaba College of Technology, where he specialized in Sculpture. He has been a full-time studio artist since 1992, earning widespread recognition for his technical mastery and conceptual depth.

His body of work includes major public and private commissions, such as the collaborative bust of Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and other significant sculptures that feature prominently across Nigeria. He has received prestigious accolades including the Solidra Award for Sculpture and Pottery (2002) where he was recognised for excellence in sculpture and pottery early in his artistic career.

Society of Nigerian Artists (Lagos State Chapter) Distinguished Artist Award (2008) He was honoured by the professional artists’ body for his outstanding contributions to the Nigerian art scene.

Ato Arinze is also a co-founder of the Artzero Group, a pioneering collective that has nurtured emerging talents in Lagos and beyond. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Visions in Clay Artists Network (VICAN), a continental platform that has significantly elevated ceramics and sculpture practice across Africa.

Known as a mentor to many young artists, Arinze’s work has been exhibited widely and featured in international forums, establishing him as one of Nigeria’s foremost practitioners in the visual arts.

A Message of Congratulations

The leadership and members of ScAN extend heartfelt congratulations to President Ato Arinze and celebrate this momentous milestone in the association’s history.

Long live ScAN!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Sculpt. Emmanuel Ubamadu
Secretary General, ScAN

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